Feeding a Crowd: Hearty Chili Recipe for 50 Servings

Introduction

Preparing a chili recipe for a large group doesn’t have to be daunting. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering, a community event, or a corporate function, this hearty and flavorful chili recipe for 50 servings is sure to satisfy everyone’s appetite. Packed with protein, vegetables, and a blend of mouthwatering spices, this chili is a crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious chili for 50 servings, you’ll need the following ingredients:

– 5 pounds ground beef
– 3 large onions, chopped
– 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), diced
– 6 cloves of garlic, minced
– 10 cans (15 ounces each) of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 6 cans (28 ounces each) of diced tomatoes
– 1 can (12 ounces) of tomato paste
– 10 cups beef broth
– ⅓ cup chili powder
– 2 tablespoons cumin
– 2 tablespoons paprika
– 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions

Directions

Follow these simple steps to prepare the chili:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

2. Add the onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened.

3. Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth.

4. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cocoa powder to the pot, stirring to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

5. Season the chili with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.

6. Once the chili has thickened to your desired consistency, it’s ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and offer a variety of optional toppings for your guests to customize their bowls.

FAQ

Q: Can I prepare this chili in advance?
A: Absolutely! This chili can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving. In fact, the flavors often deepen and improve when the chili is made a day or two before serving.

Q: Can I make this chili vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily make this chili vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or adding more beans and vegetables for a hearty meat-free version.

Q: How can I adjust the spice level?
A: If you prefer a milder chili, simply reduce the amount of chili powder and adjust the spiciness to your taste as you go.

Q: What sides pair well with this chili for a large gathering?
A: Classic accompaniments such as cornbread, rice, or a side salad complement this hearty chili perfectly and can help stretch the servings even further for a large group.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Definitely! This chili freezes well and can be portioned out for future meals. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to airtight containers and freezing.

With this versatile chili recipe, feeding a large group no longer has to be a stressful task. Whether it’s a casual potluck or a formal event, this satisfying dish is sure to be a hit with everyone.